Students at WYES are taught that bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Students are taught what to do if they are being bullied. Students are also taught that it is not okay for them to be the bully. They are also taught that if they see bullying happening that they are to help, it is unacceptable to ignore bullying if you are a bystander and certainly unacceptable to join in.

Be a friend, treat others with respect!

The definition of bullying is taught and is important to know and understand. There is a difference between a student being mean and a student bullying. Students are taught that a bully is someone who hurts you on purpose over and over and over . . . It is important to understand the two parts to this definition. 1. Bullying is someone hurting you on purpose. 2. It is happening over and over.

Students at WYES are taught about 3 types of bullying:

1. Physical Bully: someone who uses their physical body to hurt you (hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping)
2. Verbal Bully: someone who hurts you using words (teasing, making fun of you).
3. Emotional Bully: someone who hurts your friendships (leaves you out, tries to make you feel lonely, spreads lies about you).

5th grade students are taught about the difference between a friendship group and a clique. Cliques could be considered a form of emotional bullying.

Students are taught how to handle bullying using the S.T.A.R.S. method.

How S.T.A.R.S. deal with bullying:

 - Stand up for yourself.
 - Stand up straight.
 - Look the person in the eyes.
 - Firmly say "Stop! I don't like it when you ______."
 - Walk away.
 - Turn around and do not bully back.
 - Always help others who are being bullied
 - Report to an adult.
 - Stick with friends in a safe place.

*It is important to note that if a student has attempted to resolve the bullying on their own and it has not stopped they should report the bullying to an adult for assistance as soon as possible. Students can report bullying to any trusted adult. If the bullying does not stop after reporting it they should seek another adult for help until the problem is resolved.